If I hear this one more time, I think I’ll . . .

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Do you ever get tired of hearing some things over and over again? If I hear some of these things again before Opening Day, I think I’ll … well, I’ll think of something.

• Is anyone else tired of hearing about Barry Bonds and his entourage? Sometime late last year, the Giants and Bonds agreed on a contract, or so we were led to believe. Then, a test showing he tested positive for illegal drugs came to light and now it’s a case of Deal or No Deal. And, depending on who you listen to, it’s all about which friends can come into the clubhouse and which ones can’t. I was in the Bay Area last week and many believe the Giants would like to save face and walk away from the agreement. But how long can this ordeal go on? I say, “no deal, Barry”.

• Here’s one I know all of you agree with me on, right? I think the sit-Craig-Biggio-on-the-road-crowd just doesn’t get it. A lot of people who promote Luke Scott based on a half season are the same ones who are shouting that Biggio should sit…based on his 2006 second half. One half a season shouldn’t determine a player’s playing time next season.

Especially in the cases of a 19-year veteran and an inexperienced 28-year-old. Face it, Biggio has earned the second-base job and will get more benefit of the doubt than most any other Astro this year. Drayton McLane, Tim Purpura and Phil Garner will give him every chance to go out on his terms and I’m in total agreement with them. Now, if he bats .180 in April, I may swing the other way, but that’s a fan’s prerogative.

AP Photo/Pat Sullivan

The theory that Craig Biggio should only play in home games this season is fractured.

• Can’t Roger Clemens just decide whether or not he’s going to pitch and for whom? I mean, since the 2006 season was over, I’ve decided what to get my wife for Christmas, which new flooring to put in my son’s room, what color to paint my house and whether my 9-year-old will play rec baseball or select baseball this season. I’ve even shopped for and bought the 9-year-old and my college baseball player new gloves for crying out loud! I’m beginning to believe the people who say: “It’s all about Roger.” Doesn’t Roger realize that, if he would tell the Astros now he’s not coming back now, they could go ahead and sign Tomo Ohka, Steve Trachsel or Chan Ho Park? Or maybe even Crhis Holt or Shane Reynolds? Come on, Rog, help a team out!

• Please, no more suggestions that Mark Loretta would be a better solution at shortstop than Adam Everett or that he should be platooned with Mike Lamb at third. He was hired to play every position on the infield and, barring an injury, he’ll likely play most of his innings on the right side. Eric Bruntlett is the primary shortstop backup. If Loretta plays everyday, Garner will lose the flexibility he got by the Loretta signing to begin with. Want Loretta to play everyday? What about putting him at first and Berkman in right?

Hey, there’s this Dayn Perry guy over at Fox Sports who believes that Tim Purpura “should become one of the game’s best” general managers. Purpura currently ranks 18th in his listing of the major league’s general managers. I still have Purpura in the wait-and-see category, but this year will probably go a long way to tell the tale of his short tenure. Got any thoughts on Perry’s comments?

The average starting 3B in the major leagues had an OBP of .356 and a Slg of .482 for an OPS of .838. Esnberg had an OBP of .396 and a Slg of .463 for an OPS of .859. And, since OBP is more important than Slugging Pct, OPS actually understates how far above average Ensberg was.

Among the top 15 3B (plus Ensberg, who ranked 22nd), Ensberg was second-to-last in games played, last in average, third-to-last in SLG%, and 9th in OPS. He was 4th in OBP, but those last two aren’t enough to skew him higher than about 9th or 10th.

Now if you compare him to strictly NL 3B, he probably rises up to 8th or 7th. But as you pointed out, there are at least six 3B in the NL that were better (i.e. more productive). Again, just because his total production is slightly above average should not gloss over the fact that he was horrible in other areas.

“At .294, Ensberg is ranked 7th”

Hmm, slightly above average, again. If the formula is using OBP, it will make Ensberg’s 2006 look better than it actually was because his OBP was great, unlike his average and SLG%. Nice way to gloss over pertinent facts.

All of your argument has relied on obscure stats that don’t really mean anything to fans who aren’t sabermetricians. Maybe that convinces the people you roll with, but not me.

I have demonstrated the falsity of that statement about 10000 times. Here’s another one -check out GPA (Gross Production Average) from http://www.hardballtimes.com. At .294, Ensberg is ranked 7th among all 3B with more than 400 PA.

Here’s the definition of that stat for you:

“Gross Production Average, a variation of OPS, but more accurate and easier to interpret. The exact formula is (OBP*1.8+SLG)/4, adjusted for ballpark factor. The scale of GPA is similar to BA: .200 is lousy, .265 is around average and .300 is a star.”

“He has proven that in 3 of his 4 seasons he’s better than average at his position”

Not 2006, since he was 9th or 10th out of 16.

“You’ll accept Jennings mediocrity as proof that he’s ‘proven’”

I don’t accept mediocrity; the fact is that Jennings is proven to be an “innings eater”, whatever that’s worth. It’s obviously worth something, or the Astros wouldn’t have traded for him.

For you to argue that Ensberg has not been mediocre would be a fallacy, since two of his four years were not up to par. His batting average doesn’t seem to concern you, but a guy that hits .235 for a full season loses value, even if he has the 4th highest OBP among 3B in that year.

Another thing to note is that pitchers are more valuable than position players, both in trades and on the free agent market. That’s why the Rockies were able to demand so much in return for Jennings.

You say Jennings has only been average. Show me another pitcher who threw 180+ innings in four of five seasons while pitching for Colorado.

“only 7 teams out of 30 were able to find a 3b who could exceed Ensberg’s production while playing at least 100 games”

Using an obscure stat to make a statement devoid of meaning doesn’t prove anything. And it doesn’t hide the fact that even though Ensberg had a great OBP, his average was among the worst. It glosses over the fact that Ensberg had a bad year, as well.

I took a quick look at Weighted On Base Average for 3b in 2006. There were 23 players in MLB who played at least 100 games at 3rd last year. Of those 23, Ensberg ranked 8 in weighted OBA.I used the simplified version of wOBA (OBP*2+Slg)/3.

Let’s put that another way – only 7 teams out of 30 were able to find a 3b who could exceed Ensberg’s production while playing at least 100 games.

He has proven that in 3 of his 4 seasons he’s better than average at his position. That’s a “proven” player.

You cannot claim that Jason Jennings is more proven when he’s only been average. That’s a heck of an inconsistency on your part. You’ll accept Jennings mediocrity as proof that he’s “proven”, yet you reject Ensberg who’s been much better compared to an average player than Jennings has.

Yeah well, I’m sick of him underachieving. He hasn’t put consecutive good season together, and he hasn’t put up the kind of numbers that would make me feel confident in having him around for the long-term (something the organization apparently agrees with).

“Now you are comparing him to elite players like Berkman and Cabrera”

So you don’t like me saying he’s unproven, but then when I compare him to great players like Berkman and Cabrera you still bitch and moan. Make up your mind.

Even when compared to NL 3B as a whole, he only ranks 9th or 10th. Sure, he’s better than guys like Pedro Feliz, Todd Walker and Geoff Blum, David Bell, and Chad Tracy (depending on how you look at it), but there are still a number of players that are better than him at his position.

“And this was in a ‘terrible’ year.”

So you don’t think Ensberg’s 2006 was terrible?

I’ll ask again: what has he proven?

Maybe if you prove me wrong, I’ll back off. So far, you haven’t been convincing.

Of the top 15 third basemen in baseball, eight of them were in the NL.

I took those eight third basemen’s stats for AVG, SLG%, OBP, OPS, and OPS+ and averaged them.

AVG: .315 (skewed by Freddy Sanchez’s .344)

SLG%: .534

OBP: .385

OPS: .919 (skewed by Chipper Jones’s 1.005)

OPS+: 134

Ensberg put up .235/.463/.396/.859/118, which means that the only thing he was above average in is OBP.

We can all agree that 2006 was a sub-par season for him, and these numbers further illustrate that. Not only were they bad compared to the few good numbers that he’s put up, but horrendously bad when compared to the good players at his position.

I didn’t say that at all. My point with mentioning those specific numbers was to illustrate what good hitters do.

Ensberg doesn’t do the things that good hitters do, period. He’s far overshadowed by Berkman, not to mention many of the top third basemen.

Miguel Cabrera, for example, has hit over .300 the last two seasons, slugged over .550, and had high OBP’s (.385 and .430). He also had 33 and 26 HR’s and over 100 RBI’s in both of those seasons. He hasn’t hit 40 HR’s yet, but I’m sure he will eventually. Plus, he’ll turn just 24 during the 2007 season.

Berkman has hit .300 three times, slugged over .600 twice, and has had >.400 OBP for the last six seasons, counting 2006. He’s hit 40 HR’s twice, and has had 100+ RBI’s four times. The only thing he hasn’t done is have a 200 hit season, though he did have 191 in 2001. That’s close enough for me. Oh, and aside from 2005, he’s played in over 150 games in each full season he’s had.

So obviously, Ensberg is not in the same league as Berkman and Cabrera. They’re the opposite extreme, I guess.

“That’s just plain dumb, especially for a guy who’s only played in 4 major league seasons”

Really? David Wright, Garrett Atkins, and the aforementioned Cabrera have either as much or less service than Ensberg and have put up much better numbers. They’re all younger than Ensberg as well, which means they’ll be around for much longer. I guess we can’t hold that against Ensberg either, right?

That’s not to mention what a guy like Chipper Jones did last year in fewer games.

“It’s even more maddening when you are so willing to accept the mediocrity of Jason Jennings and label it as ‘proven.’”

This just in, I’m not the only guy who would label Jennings in that way. There are tons of people on this very blog who would argue that Jennings is a proven #2 starter. I don’t think he’s that good, #3 at best. But there are people who will take the argument much further than me and who would be more convincing as well.

Don’t forget that Jennings has pitched most of his games in Coors Field. That isn’t exactly a pitcher’s park.

And it’s not like there was a lot out there that you could say was drastically better. Unless you think Jeff Weaver is better than Jennings.

“I haven’t lost sight of your agrument, your argument has lost sight of reality”

No? You still don’t realize what I’m arguing, which is Ensberg’s lack of trade value. You’ve given nothing to prove that Ensberg has substantial trade value, and that he could bring a #2 starter in return. He’s good, and he’s the best option for the Astros, but compare him against any of the other good players at his position in the NL and he falls short.

Ensberg has not put up great numbers in any respect. He’s only had one good year, and in that good year he struck out too much. He’s not a power hitter, and even though he walked a lot in 2006, he didn’t get enough hits to be considered a good contact hitter.

Andrew, you are incredible. You claim that unless a guy has hit 40 homers or hit .300, he’s unproven. That’s just plain dumb, especially for a guy who’s only played in 4 major league seasons. It’s even more maddening when you are so willing to accept the mediocrity of Jason Jennings and label it as “proven.”

I haven’t lost sight of your agrument, your argument has lost sight of reality.

But does the calculation have to do with anything else the pitcher is measured on, such as strikeouts, walks, HR’s, etc?

“Is that your criteria for ‘proven?’ If so, it’s a ridiculous standard”

Once again, your lack of critical reading skills come through. Notice that I didn’t say he had to do that in one season. If I had said that, then it would be a ridiculous standard.

In Ensberg’s career he hasn’t done any of those things that I mentioned. And it’s possible your standards are far too low. Given that you continue to defend Ensberg while losing sight of my argument completely, I think I have a firm base for that assertion.

“A player who has been an above average hitter in 3 of his 4 seasons is not ‘unproven.’”

An above average hitter who’s never hit .300 in his career? 2006 wasn’t an “above average” year for him either, since the only category he was top-5 in among third basemen was OBP, a stat that’s determined by how much a batter walks.

“A hitter who is only 2 seasons removed from an MVP type season is not ‘unproven.’”

Not everyone who has one good season is automatically “proven”. He didn’t win the MVP, either. In fact, based on his production, it’s looking like a fluke.

“Anyone suggesting otherwise is a de facto Ensberg hater and an idiot”

No, that’s an ASSUMPTION that you’re making. I am no Ensberg hater, just a pragmatic fan who’s not afraid to say bad things about players that aren’t as good (or have as much TRADE VALUE, which is the whole point of my argument) as people think they are.

“The best single best measure is OPS+ for hitters and ERA+ for pitchers”

Personally, I think it would be best to limit the Ensberg comparison to the best players at his position. And you’re using this stat to gloss over his bad 2006. No surprise, since you’re a sycophant.

I looked at OPS+ for Ensberg and the top 15 third basemen from 2006, as rated by Sportsline.com. The top 15 are: Cabrera, Atkins, Aramis Ramirez, David Wright, A-Rod, Freddy Sanchez, Ryan Zimmerman, Troy Glaus, Scott Rolen, Mike Lowell, Joe Crede, Chipper Jones, Adrian Beltre, Melvin Mora, and Hank Blalock. Ensberg ranked 10th out of 16. So when compared to his peers in 2006, he was right around average.

And as far as ERA+ goes, I’m not convinced in it’s usefulness. According to Baseball-Reference.com, ERA+ is defined as: “the ratio of the league’s ERA (adjusted to the pitcher’s ballpark) to that of the pitcher”. Now maybe it’s just me, but there doesn’t seem to be anything in that calculation besides ERA. As I pointed out above, I don’t subscribe to ERA being a good indicator of a pitcher’s worth. For example, Buchholz had a terrible ERA in 2006, but his numbers in BB/9, K/9, WHIP, and Hits Allowed/9 were comparable to Jennings. Jennings was better in innings pitched, and didn’t give up as many homers. He has some trouble walking people, but I don’t think that’s enough to say that he’s unproven, and certainly not less proven than Ensberg.

And if you think a guy who can’t put two consecutive good seasons together is anything but unproven, not only are you the idiot, but you don’t even have any right to argue with me.

A player who has been an above average hitter in 3 of his 4 seasons is not “unproven.” A hitter who is only 2 seasons removed from an MVP type season is not “unproven.” Anyone suggesting otherwise is a de facto Ensberg hater and an idiot. You could probably work for the Astros, since it’s obvious they hate him too.

>>Maddox is only 15 career wins behind. Clemens needs at least 13 to 15 or so wins this season to put some distance between them. He has a much better chance of getting this, in a short season, with the Yankees. What do you think?

I agree – I have brought up the Maddux issue several times myself. Rocket does not want The Professor to surpass him. He also wants to try to recover that .667 winning percentage he got screwed out of the last couple of years.

>> (re: Wandy) (a) walks – getting too cute with the corners sometimes – this is a trait of Glavine as well

Only difference is that Glavine can throw the ball 6 inches off the plate and get a called strike every time because he consistently throws it six inches outside. Few things piss me off more in baseball then the absence of a strike zone. EVERY one of those is a ball, but no ump has the stones to reverse a veteran call. If it’s a ball for Wandy, it should be a ball for Glavine or Cy Freaking Young. (I hear the Cubs signed Young’s corpse for 6 million with a promise not to overuse his arm…)

Thanks, you’re correct. Roger Clemens was blocked from getting #21 on the Yankees because that was Paul O’Neil’s number. There is no #21 on the current Yankee roster. But poor Aaron Guiel had to give up #46 for Andy Pettitte though.

[sarcasm]I’m sure if a number is as significant as that for Roger Clemens to make a major decision, then having both #21 and #22 is a good thing. Thank goodness the Yankees made sure the road was clear on this, else they were facing an uphill battle indeed![/sarcasm]

If you had read the post that the quote you plucked out of context came from, you would see that the topic was Ensberg’s trade value.

There are a lot of people that post here who keep shouting about trading Ensberg, specifically for a #2 starter like John Lackey. My point with the post was that Ensberg doesn’t really have a lot of trade value currently, because his 2006 was sub-par.

The point of that quote that you took out of context was that should Ensberg regain his 2005 form, or do better than he did that year, his trade value will skyrocket. I’m a believer in his ability to come back, and that quote wasn’t meant to be disparaging of his ability. The simple fact is that if Ensberg does well in 2007, his trade value will be much better than it is right now.

I failed to make a point in my earlier response and I want to clarify.

I like reading these blogs because I like to read peoples sports opinions about anything Houston, as I am a die hard Houston fan of any sport. Hell I am a die hard anything Houston. I wonder sometimes if Clements reads some of this crap, and would hate to think that fan approval or disapproval on blogs of this sort could ultimately sway his vote to stay here or move somewhere else. Didn’t mean to offend anyone in particular, just wanted to vent because I’ve read so many negative comments.

I also believe that the Astros have done as ya’ll say and are moving on as if he’s gone (I think that’s what they did with Pettite and look where that led him) and are addressing their pitching needs with the scenario that he leaves or retires. I would just hate to think that any and all negative comments will add to the fire and sway his decision. We really do need him to play for us this year, even if it is half a season.

To me, it is perfectly understandable that Gar sees Wandy as the inside favorite for the #4 slot – he’s won 19 in the bigs the last two years, he is left handed (that is a plus in the NLC), and he can throw harder than Pettitte – Wandy’s issue has always been (a) walks – getting too cute with the corners sometimes – this is a trait of Glavine as well and (b) giving up XBH AFTER walks (not a trait of Glavine, there in lies the difference!) – I wonder if he is too concerned about the runners, because he’s never been a dominent pick-off guy (like Pettitte’s almost balks made him). I still think that Wandy can lose his spot – depending on what happens in ST and maybe the first month of the ’07 season. But, I for one, hope that Wallace can turn him into the second coming of Mike Hampton (pitcher he most reminds me of – except at the plate!). Hampton had the dome though as his fourth outfielder and Wandy doesn’t. Gar is essentially saying that the job is his to lose – I hope he proves worthy of that thought.

Thinking about Koby Clemens – I agree, his status with the Astros organization is not dependent on his dad (and where or if he plays), but he really hasn’t earned a promotion to Salem – but he will likely get it as 2 guys at Greenville that can play 3B are likely to be in Lexington. If Koby’s ’07 is similar to his ’06 (Lexington and Hawaii), Corpus is most likely not the next step going into ’08. sine he came straight from HS, two years at one level is not a death knoll, When he was drafted (8th round!), everyone talked about the fact that it was to be a 3B – but the kid was a very good pitcher in high school – I think that ’07 will be the telling year. If he can’t find himself at the plate – whether in Salem or Lexington, he could re-invent his career as a pitcher (see Backe and Sampson) – but I don’t see that happening as long as his dad is still pitching, too much pressure to follow those footsteps (which is not possible since RC is arguably the best pitcher of the past 25 years). I do think that this possibility is something that Rocket would weigh in making his decision play/don’t play for ’07 – but I don’t think it effects where he plays. From a selfish Astros fan standpoint, I want Koby to hit .285+ with 15+ HR and 75+ RBI – no matter where he plays in 2007, we need viable options for 3B after 2008 (Ensberg’s walk year).

I think that one of the main reasons that Roger Clemens will not be coming back to the Astros, and probably going to the Yankees, is that he is now looking over his shoulder at Greg Maddox. Maddox is only 15 career wins behind. Clemens needs at least 13 to 15 or so wins this season to put some distance between them. He has a much better chance of getting this, in a short season, with the Yankees. What do you think?

Trust me, if Ensberg hits over .300, and knocks in 30+ HR’s and 100+ RBI’s, people will be falling all over themselves trying to make a play for him. But he’s never done that. He also appears to be getting more fragile. Not a good thing when you’re already 31 and are still saddled with the ol’ “unproven” tag.

I just don’t get the Ensberg hate from the fans and the organization. How is a guy that finished 4th in the MVP balloting in 2005 and has had 3 seasons of above league average offensive production “unproven.”

I am tired of hearing that Garner all but has Wandy pencilled in at #4….from Alyson Footer this morning about Scrap:

“He figures that left-hander Wandy Rodriguez has a “leg up” on the competition for the fourth spot, but he’s willing to give a handful of hopefuls a look for that last starting job. Sampson will receive strong consideration, as will Brian Moehler, Fernando Nieve and Matt Albers. ”

Well, we should at least be unified in demanding that Uncle Drayton, Timmy P., and the Peanut Gallery get him back here no matter what it takes.

Time to fall back on the obvious: if we have him, we win (division, NLDS, NLCS, at least). If we don’t, we’re not terrible, but we’re not a lock to win the division either.

Bottom line is that the offense is improved, and if we have a rotation of Oswalt, Jennings, Clemens, Woody, and Who Cares? (But Preferably Chris Sampson), our pitching is roughly the same as the year before (if not better).

Let’s be honest here. If any of you guys were thought to be considered too “old” to do your jobs properly, but you still had a bunch of potential employers bidding over you, and it mattered to almost the entire nation, wouldn’t you try and enjoy it as long as you could? I sure would.

Not to mention that the Yankees are the only team that cannot offer the #21 to Clemens, his original number with Boston and Toronto. Roger wore 21 for a much longer time than he did 22. He’ll go into the Hall of Fame as #21.

he’s not getting pulled three ways if he didnt want to.. why doesnt he step up a say.. if i’m going to play it will be in houston? how could that hurt especially if he doesnt like getting pulled in all these directions..

You are right, Clemens is above reproach. We should all bow down, stop working and campaign for him.

I’d be a traitor, in a way, if I didn’t want him back on some level, as I have said many times here my main want is for the Astros to make the playoffs, be it sitting Biggio some or cutting Ausmus or whatever makes the team better.

That said, my view of Clemens now is that of disgust. He’s self-serving and I don’t really think his motivation is winning. It’s being catered to.

Ultimately, though, it’s the Astros fault if they worry too much about his plans. I think they’ve tried to move on thinking he won’t come back so far. And that’s a good thing.

Gary…We all want Roger to come back for one more year!!! I LOVE the guy!! I don’t think he is all about the money issue. I think he feels he is beeing “pulled” in three directions………and he alone must make his mind up, which way to go. I

hope and pray he will be back in Astro’s Brick Red uniform!!! We have no say in his final decision. He may decide not to pitch ANYWHERE!!!

I think that the Reds made a good move in picking up Kirk Saarloos. He had a 4.17 ERA last year, and 4.75 this year with the A’s. Moving from the AL to the NL could reduce his ERA from 1/4 to 1/2 run; a low 4′s ERA is very possible for the Reds, which would make him a good middle to lower rotation pitcher. I think the Astros may regret trading Saarloos if they have to face him constantly in the NL Central.

I don’t think Scott’s problem is arm strength, but most likely accuracy. Can he hit the cut-off man, nail a runner at 2nd, or get the ball home accurately and on time. I think he has the arm strength to do so, but I can’t say I’m 100% certain.

I would also think that people would be more concerned about Burke in center. I don’t have any doubts about his defensive acumen, when he’s playing 2B. But having him in center reminds me an awful lot of Johnny Damon (the caveman, pre-NYY version). Anyone who’s seen Damon play knows that he has a limp noodle of an arm. It’d be nice if Burke covered his lack of experience in center by hitting .300 with 10-15 HR’s.

Regarding Bagwell and the ‘roids: Check his hat size.

It’s not all about muscle mass with ‘roids. Guys’ heads tend to grow as well (Bonds and the Giambino, most noticeably).

Oh, and the Reds picked up one of our favorite ex-Astros. No, not Tim Redding…Kirk Saarloos. I guess they really are desperate for pitching still.

You guys dogging Clemens is asinine. The guy is a living legend and you all should be greatful he has graced us with his presence, much less pitched for us these past years. We need him more than ever to fill the pitching holes we have now and you guys are saying some of the stupidest crap I have ever heard. Stupid is as stupid does. This fan wants Clements back!

If it was all about “the money”…….Clemens would already been shopping for a house in New York. He knows the Astros want him back, and will do almost anything to do just that. He also knows the Yankees want him, and the Red socks.I think he values his reputation here in Houston, enough not to jerk McClain around. He will retire

someday……and when he does, he will have to come back here and face alot of people, he ticked off. I also do not believe Koby’s career in baseball, hinges on his father’s piching for the Astros. He will have to make it on his own.

Biggio opening day, I am fine with that as long as he does not lead off. I am O.K. with him being the everyday 2nd baseman (4 times a week) until he gets his 3,000 hits. But if the games count just as much early in the season as they do at the end, well Uncle Drayton if you want to be a champion you need to put your best team on the field. I have serious doubts if that will include Biggio as the weather heats up and he wears down.

It’s funny that people get on Ace, etc. for posing a question about Bagwell/Biggio and steroids. The fact is, there are still a couple players we have no real proof about — Bonds and McGwire, only (albeit rampant) speculation. Talk about them and it’s fine (citing increased mass) Talk about Biggio or Bagwell — the latter for increased mass — and it’s to shame.

I hope Bagwell and Biggio didn’t use, but I don’t know. You know what, I don’t really care. At this point my attitude on the whole situation, as a fan, is many players took advantage of a chink in the rules. Do I think less of them … a little. Do I think it should keep them out of the Hall of Fame. No. Does it make me like the game less. No, not really.

Can I be positive Jeff Bagwell did not use steroids? No. Do I think he’s a Hall of Famer either way? Yes. Why, because if he did ‘roid up, so were so many of his era, and he was still the best first baseman (yes, better than you Raffy) in baseball for a decade.

Acusing a professional athlete of steriod use without any real evidence or even legit suspision is low and shamefull. I would agree that Bagwell did lose alot of muscle mass from his great years to the 04 and 05 seasons, but it is well known that Bagwell’s #1 hobby was lifting weights and working out. He was a gym rat with nothing but the highest standards and a serious work ethic. After his shoulder was diagnosed in 01, he was unable to lift much at all, which explains his gradual loss of muscle mass from that point.

I am as synical as they come and try to look at everything from many angles (not just a homer fan), but to so easily throw that out there shows you havent done to much homework.

Great commentary on Bagwell’s condition and its unlikely connection to any sort of steroid use.

Did Bagwell benefit from substances? Sure. He was open about the fact that he used Androstene Dione as a supplement, but before it was illegal and before much was known about it at all. I remember when that stuff was hot…people just didn’t know what it was. It was being billed as something legal that approached the benefits of steroids without the dangerous side effects. I don’t hold athletes responsible for the lack of FDA regulation on things like nutritional supplements.

I think that the only MLB drug policy that could avoid situations like the one caused by Andro is one that instead of listing banned substances, lists “approved supplements,” but then you get into the tricky semantics of what constitutes a “supplement”.

Back to Bagwell, I have never heard or seen any kind of substantial mention of Bagwell’s name in connection with steroids, other than the types of accusations we see here (i.e. Look how big he is!). No mention by other players, no negative tests, no grand jury testimonies or subpoenas, nothing at all other than “Golly, he’s big.” Until then, I’ll give Bagwell the benefit of the doubt based on his consistent performance over his career, comments from other teammates, players, and coaches that oozed of respect for not only his work ethic (which is practically a cliche in MLB) but also his leadership and his overall character. People don’t pay that kind of lip service to someone they know is cheating.

We’ll see what Chris Duncan does now that NL pitching has a book on him.

Their pitching might be ok but would have been more intimidating had they pursued another starter. I think Mark Mulder and Jason Isringhausen are question marks if or until they show they’re healthy again.

Sure, they’re a good team. A World Series champion. But I would be very surprised– and disappointed, of course– if the Cardinals win more games than they won last year and win the NL Central in 07.

Re: The writer putting the Cards in the bottom half of the division. Let’s see – 3 division championships in a row – WS 2 out of 3 years – coming off a WS championship. Proven winners in Walt Jockety and Tony LaRussa. Healthy Rolen and Edmonds going into ST. I’ll take my chances with the Cards yet again!

Keith, I am not convinced that Soriano is even a better player then Lee AT ALL. Everyone is enamored with Soriano and homeruns, but here are some numbers career wise:

Lee – 221 career homeruns in 7 seasons

Soriano – 208 career homeruns in 6 1/2 seasons

Looks pretty much equal. Now the stolen bases, I love Soriano’s speed and natural athleticism. He is a stud. He is also a mistake waiting to happen. Last year he stole 41 bases, he also had 17 caught stealings. For a team that has trouble moving runners and playing fundamental “run at a time” baseball that many CS’s will only ADD to the problem. Lee stole 19 last year with just 2 caughts. That is the number I want. And you look at it career wise and you see that is a reoccuring pattern for BOTH of them. Simply put, one season could just be situational based, but multiple seasons shows a pattern, Lee is a better baserunner. There is also the fact that Lee has a better OBP and average career wise then Soriano, even though they are not different. But then there is my favorite number, the strikeouts. Soriano is in a world very few players are, Kingmanland. His LOWEST strikeout total has been 121 in a full season. What? Thats right, 121. LOWEST. He has gotten as high as 160, and you can’t say that he will get better, that career high was LAST SEASON. Lee has NEVER had 100 strikeouts in a season, the highest being 94, many seasons ago. LAST SEASON was just 65. This guy puts the ball in play consistently, which could explain the incredible difference in RBI’s he has over Soriano. And that pattern of RBI’s isn’t just last season, he consistently beats Soriano in that area too. Lastly the defense, yes I know the range factors show that Soriano gets to more balls then Lee does, but the difference in fielding percentage both last year and career wise again demonstrate that Lee plays better FUNDAMENTAL ball then Soriano. Like the SB’s, like the SO’s he makes more of the opportunities he gets to do these then Soriano. This morning I heard a comment on MLB Home Plate on XM that 6 of Soriano’s 22 assists last year (22 is an incredible number) were immediately following an error he made, mostly from him bobbling a simple pickup and a player trying to turn that into an extra base. I would say that he had 16 assists then, a little less impressive. And how many bobbles DID turn into extra bases?

Ace – you should do more research than just guessing because of someone’s size.

Know anything about arthritis and joint deterioration? Thought not. One of the side effects of the extended use of anibolic steroids (today’s designer versions are less prone to these effects, but they are still present) – which is what Bags would have had to have been on IF he was a juicer – is joint deterioration – effectively, muscle mass is grown at a rate that exceeds the capacity of the tendons and cartilage (aweful spelling – sorry!) to compensate for this increased pull/power at the joint itself – there is a lot of high level physiology involved, but one FACT is clear, a top end orthopedist can tell the difference between ‘roids induced deterioration and arthritis. There has NEVER been a hint that Bags shoulder issues were related to anything other than arthritis – there is no way in today’s world that it would have or could have been covered up if it were self induced.

Next FACT – the right shoulder is the only problem area – that is not what happens to ‘roids users, every joint will show deterioration – (i.e. Bond’s knees).

Next FACT – how many of the “known” (we don’t actually know for any expect Giambi and Palmero) were/are seen as positive club-house influences during the time they are suspected to have been on the juice – that would be ZERO, why is that – one of the other side effects is a general surliness that is not hidable (I know this because of high school atheletes that were using that were great to be around, once they got off the juice – they were miserable to be around when they were on it.)

Since there was no testing for so long, we don’t know for sure who did and who didn’t – which is a disservice to those that did everything naturally. But if you want to drop a bomb on ANY of the icons of baseball – and especially the two that have been the face of the Astros for so long, you better have more behind you than look how big, etc. etc. – I would be defending Bags even if I wasn’t an Astros fan.

I can understand why people suggest the home/road platoon for Biggio. But that move doesn’t make sense if you can’t identify a cause for the difference in Biggio’s home/road splits. Pupura says he has talked to a lot of baseball people to identify the “why” for Biggio’s road stats, and can’t find a reason. Last season didn’t reflect Biggio’s typical home/road splits since Minute Maid Park opened. In fact, he has experienced one or more seasons in which he hit better on the road than at Minute Maid Park. That undercuts the idea that the cause is related to the difference in ballparks. So it is very possible that last season’s home/road split was a statistical quirk. However, the second half downturn for Biggio could have a possible cause at his age, namely, wear and tear on his body and exhaustion. Pupura has stated that the Astros will work with Biggio on establishing a liberal rest schedule.

I am tired of…the New York tabloid press blowing up the Clemens rumors every chance that they get. Clemens isn’t trying to get media attention; but the cut throat competition of the NYC press creates the need for Clemens-to-the-Yankees articles every few days, with or without a shred of fact. Even if Clemens signs with the Astros, it won’t be long before the Big Apple sportswriters are publishing rumors that Clemens will be traded to the Yankees. Even the Houston Chronicle’s articles about Clemens seem to be instigated by the articles in the New York press.

As for some of the posts about Clemens’ decision making…yeah, I would like to see him make earlier decisions to re-sign with the Astros. But it is purely his decision. And if I have a choice between Clemens making an early decision to forgo re-signing with the Astros, or delaying his decision and possibly returning to the Astros later in the season, I will take the “delaying his decision” every time…because the Astros are a better team even if he returns for only a partial season.

And, really, what’s the difference in terms of the Astros’ decision making at this point in time? The Clemens salary is an “extra” addition to the budget, which doesn’t affect the budget for other players (at least, as best I can determine from the past two seasons). With or without Clemens, the Astros appear unlikely to acquire additional pitching. As Alyson Footer’s states in her “mailbag” column, the Astros have filled their 40 man roster and are unlikely to sign new guaranteed contracts before the end of spring training. In her view, a trade would be the most likely means of making an addition to the roster. I have my doubts that there are many reasonable trade opportunities available for a pitcher who is better than Nieve or Sampson.

>>I think the sit-Craig-Biggio-on-the-road-crowd just doesn’t get it. A lot of people who promote Luke Scott based on a half season are the same ones who are shouting that Biggio should sit…based on his 2006 second half. One half a season shouldn’t determine a player’s playing time next season.

(1) It’s not half a season, it’s the inability to hit away from MMP combined with second half slumps. And it’s not just 2006 – check the stats.

(2) Luke Scott has nothing to do with the Biggio decision. All I’m hearing here is that based on what he did after he was called up, he deserves a chance to continue.

>>Face it, Biggio has earned the second-base job and will get more benefit of the doubt than most any other Astro this year.

No kidding. Why do you think it’s the hot topic? McL/P/G will put the 3000 Quest before what’s good for the team.

I love Bigg, and I don’t think you sit him out every at bat of every road game. But the man needs rest, and since he does so much better at home (and since the home fans deserve it), shave those 150 ABs from the road. He still will start a game out of three and pinch hit in the other two for his farewell tour…if he doesn’t plan to come back in 2008, that is.

What am I sick of?

- New York sports media who think the world revolves around the Pets and Spankmees.

- Sports talk shows in general, where everyone thinks they are hilariously funny. Or smart. Or both.

- Tim McCarver’s voice.

- Joe Morgan’s lack of enthusiasm.

- People telling me what a “genius” Tony LaRussa is, when I’ve seen the man have one braincramp after another in clutch situations.

I had an interesting Rocket story to tell you all, and I’m not making this up, I promise. You can decide to believe me or not. A friend of mine works at the Hospital right next door to Willowbrook Mall (the name eludes me that this point). Anyway, he runs into Phil Garner in the emergency room. Honest to god, I am not making this up. After a lenghty conversation, my friend finally asks the Rocket question. Phil reveals to my friend that it is more than certain that Rocket is gone and that he is going to Boston. I’m not going out on a limb as to quote him in fear of any legal ramifications (and i wasn’t there), but I trust my friend more than anyone and I do believe him. Some of the things he told me had to come from Phil. Anyway, take from that what you will and GO ‘STROS!!!

Chip, denial ain’t just a river in Egypt! You are wrong about Biggio as the numbers are there for awhile now supporting benching the man on the road. However, someone made the point that fans across the land will want to see him play and that is understandable.Also it’s possible he rebounds and does his share. I promise you I wrote the man off in 2002 when he had a dreadful year. He bounced back and made a believer out of me. I am not opposed to a month of mostly Biggio, most of the time-I suggest one road game per series and lets see if he plays himself out of the deal. I think we will all agree that Biggio cannot blow the season for The Team by dogging it for thirty games.That being said, Captain Dipstick will probably stick by him no matter what in light of his handling of the Lidge and Wilson and Lane scenarios from a year ago. I for one say GARNER should be on a short leash and before the season gets away this time, pull the handle Randle, drop the chute Knute, make a new plan Stan and dump him for the sake of The Goal. Rock on Eric K…

Typical Astro fans. Can’t beleive the two “golden boys” could ever do any wrong. I MAY be willing to concede on Biggio, but Bagwell is just as obvious as Giambi and McGwire(maybe not as much as Bonds though). Is it just a coincidence that his career completely fell apart the same time steroids were becoming an issue? Is it just a coincidence he always grew that nasty hair on his chin to hide how much it was protruding? Once Bagwell had to get off the juice, he couldn’t compensate for that swing anymore. So all these other people took steroids to hit all these homeruns, but you say it is out of the question that Bagwell, a man with some of the biggest pipes in the game, could have used them. That’s ridiculous. Wake up.

Ace………you need to make sure you know what you are talking about, when you say Biggio was “juiced”. That is something you do not know to be fact, only Biggio does. Be careful my friend…..of what you post. Craig Biggio has meant alot to the Astros, and this city.Thanks!

Biggio has never had the body of a juicer. For as long as I can remember he’s always had pretty much the same frame. The difference in his size is that as he gets older, he works harder to stay in shape. The more in shape he is, the less body fat he has.

Actually, Bagwell’s lost weight may have had something to do with the fact that his destroyed arthritic shoulder kept him from lifting any serious weights for over a year (maybe longer). Just an example, when I finished playing college ball, I was in the best shape in my life, 165 lbs and under 2% body fat. Once I stopped my workout regimen, it took me axactly 6 months to drop to 150 lbs. And I wasn’t even doing any jogging, etc., to lose weight…just the results of quitting an intense conditioning program. By the way, I wasn’t on anything but OJ and BK Whoppers. Now if scrawny me can lose 15 lbs of muscle in 6 months without doing weight loss exercise, imagine how much and how fast a big guy like Bagwell could lose if he isn’t able to weight train for a year, but continues to ride the bike, etc. to stay in shape.

I’m with you on Clemens. I don’t care who he is, it’s just a matter of courtesy. What’s going to be different in April than right now? Is anything going to change? If he doesn’t come back, the Astros may have to make a trade in july or Albers, Sampson, Nieve or somebody really has to come through. But yeah I’m tired of hearing Clemens is going to New York, no he’s going to Boston or no Houston is still in the mix.

On Biggio, here’s what I don’t understand. If he’s supposedly washed up and should be benched, why does he play well at certain parks (MMP) and not others on the road? The question shouldn’t be if he should play at home and not on the road, it should be WHY does he play well at home and not on the road?

Does he play better in day games? Night games? After a day off? After two days off?

If he plays well in a stretch at home, then immediately loses it in the next series on the road, it’s not age, it’s not fatigue, it has to be something else, right?

Could his eye sight have anything to do with the fact he hits better in day games? Biggio obviously still has it some times. The question should be why he doesn’t have it ALL the time.

Forget Bonds. I’ve really had enough of that. Since McGwire got the shaft for the HOF, I wonder what people will say when Bonds comes up for a vote?

Not why do you think Biggio is thinner? Could it be the same reason Bagwell was a shell of his muscle bound self when he came back for the 2005 playoffs. They both juiced. You said it yourself, he is tiny. You don’t just lose weight like that. Bagwell was an obvious user and I don’t know why people don’t point fingers at him like they did almost everyone else. Bagwell is probably one of the most blatant cases of someone shedding the muscle and weight after steroids came to the forefront, right there with Pudge Rodriguez. He and his best buds Bigg and Caminiti are no different. I wish Astros fans cold just admit it.

Bidge, the team and Astros fans can all be selfish about having our one-team future HOFer pass 3000 hits, it will mean a lot to all of us. If Bidge can get into the hall in his first year of eligibility, our Houston baseball experience will be better – permanently.

Craig does not want to stink, he does not want to ruin his reputation, we can trust him to be frank with management if his prospects for coming out of a slump are poor. I think he will get it done, and the Astros will be competitive.

Bidge has earned the right to try and go out on his own terms, and this includes his duty to his team. He will not disappoint us in his display of class. Management and fans should be classy with Craig as he winds down one of the finest careers in the history of the game.

If we could bring in Musial or DiMaggio to finish up with the Astros, we would treat them with great respect. We should be careful in the same way with Bidge, we are dealing with a player of similar caliber. We will not see his like again for a long time.

Support Bidge when he is on the field, do it in a way that younger Astros understand, Biggio is the role model.

I am tired of people saying that Biggio is “owed” a shot at 3,000 hits with the Astros. What do you mean they “owe” him? Sure, Biggio gave the Astros many years of a great service, but he was paid VERY handsomely for that service. Biggio has already been more than compensated for the service he has provided. So the Astros don’t “owe” him anything. He is now, like he has been for several seasons” a hinderance and a complete liability in the field. Watching Biggio TRY to turn a double play is down right comical. He is by far the worst defensive second basemen in the big leagues and he doesn’t rank much higher with the bat. For years now, Biggio chases breaking balls away from right handers. When he gets behind in the count, I know what’s coming, everyone on the feidl knows what’s coming, but Biggio will still chase that breaking ball away. You can’t tell me the Astros aren’t better off giving Pence a shot in center and putting Burke at second. Pence will hit better than the “Bigg” and Burke’s defense is far and away superior to whatever you want to call it when Biggio takes the field. Because it sure ain’t defense. I’m sure Astros pitchers cringe when Biggio’s range is tested or a double play needs to get turned to get them out of an inning. Millions of dollars over the years remove the Astros from any obligation you guys are putting on them.

I’m sick of the Barry Bonds issue. If the Giants have any shred of dignity, they’ll let him go….. I’m sick of Roger Clemens’ indecision. Just tell the ‘Stros whether it’s go-or-no-go. This way, they can try to get a veteran pitcher that’s still available….I’m sick of hearing how well the Cubs did this offseason. Basically, they spent a sinful amount of money and are going to end up as an expensive, .500 club. I think the Cub’s GM took his cue from Isiah Thomas of the Knicks…I’m sick of people trying to run Biggio out of town. I’m a Astros fan because of Biggio and Bagwell. They made Houston a baseball city and have carried themselves with dignity. How many 40 year-olds can still hit 20HR and drive 60RBIs without using performance-enhancing drugs a la Barry Bonds?

What am I tired of hearing about? Barry Bonds, Andy Petite, Roger Clemens, and the question of when they are going to replace Brad Ausmus. I am tired of all those topics, screw Barry Bonds and who cares anyway, Andy’s gone to the Yankees (ya know the team you either HATE or love), and like it or not (I don’t like it either) Brad Ausmus is our primary catcher for ’07.

I am sick of anything and everything about Barroids, the arrogant cheat.

I have to disagree a bit with you Chip on the Biggio situation, but not completely…

There is do doubt based on the last two seasons that Biggio no longer hit’s well on the road and based on the last three, no longer hit’s well the second half.

Biggio should not be replaced on the road for every game because he need’s to play some of those games in order to stay fresh and in sync. However, his rest day’s could be scheduled for road games and he could be replaced earlier in games on the road. This way, he could still log a significant amount of at bats, stay fresh, but also reduce road at bat’s while providing more rest for the overall season.

Once Biggio reaches 3000, then the situation can be re-evaluated, or if he drop’s off significantly before then.

Those fan’s promoting Scott never mention Scott’s defensive ability in right. There is some question whether Scott has the arm for right.

I am sick of the Roger deal as well. The issue that really bug’s me is that he has played for this team the lasat three years and has a personal services contract with the Astros when he retires. Further, he is going to participate in the Astros baseball camp. How can someone so connected to an organization consider playing elsewhere? If he was a true Astro, it would not enter his mind. You are correct Chip, it is about Roger, not the Astros.

Chip, you are totally correct regarding the 3rd base situation.

For those who brought up the Jennings trade… Yes, time will truly tell; however, unless something unexpected happens, it appears that the Astros gave up too much. Think about it… The Astros have lost Pettite, Hirsh, and Bucky and have essentially replaced those three with Jennings. Way too much – especially with Willy included. No way Hirsh should have been traded in that deal. That will likely hurt the Astros this season and next as Hirsh was the Astros top minor league prospect.

Then again, the Astros put themselves in a position of weakness. When you are going to make a deal, you need to be in a position of strength. In this case, the Rockies were in the strength position and used it. The bigger issue is the Astros management allowing themselves to get cornered this way.

I’m tired of hearing about T.O. and B.B. unless it’s on the field i dont want to hear about it at all..

I’m tired of people taking up for players like they are there best friend or mama or something.. If a person plays like crap people can say they play like crap. I dont care who it is.. Ensberg and Lidge played like crap and Everett cannot bat!

I’m tired of Houston fans and Teams putting individual players over the team success as a whole. We are fans of the Team primarily and players secondary.. I want all of the local teams to win and i dont give a damn who is on the team! I don’t care about Roger either.. if he cared about us he would make a decision so we all can move on and not cripple the team for a price take that is a third of the entire teams salary to pitch 1/2 a season.

I can see Biggio being limited to 400-425 AB’s this year. But he won’t be sitting on most road series. If any Astro deserves a farewell tour it is this man.

I was lucky to start watching the Astros when they were the Colt 45′s as a kid. Where at Colt 45 Stadium the longer you sat the more you sweat. And the more you sweated the more the mosquitoes feasted on you. Or many nights listening to them on the radio because TV coverage wasn’t what it is now. I still miss hearing Loel Passe getting excited when he said ” And he breezed him one more time ” on another late inning key strikeout. But for many, many years we weren’t very good. But at least we had big league baseball.

We finally had some success with Nolan, Scott, Cedeno, et al. But it was when Biggio and Bagwell arrived that this team found it’s direction and Houston finally started becoming a baseball town. We’re overshadowed by the Braves 14 in a row, and spurned by national media usually. But we have been 1st or 2nd 12 out of the last 13 years in our division which is remarkably consistent.Biggio and Bagwell were a very big part of the reason for that.I live 2 hours away now in Louisiana but I still make 7 or 8 weekend series every year. I just hope I am fortunate enough to be there when he reaches that 3000. Is it a personal goal for him? Sure it is. But it is so absurd to say this man is selfish in going for it. He is one of the most unselfish players I have had the pleasure to watch. I am going to miss seeing that helmet covered in pine tar, his uniform dirtier by the 3rd inning than most players would get all game, him hustling down the line on every ground ball as fast as those short legs would take him. i am going to miss #7. He deserves this chance to get 3000 in an Astro uniform, and all the accolades and our cheers when he does, because quite simply, it is the right thing to do for a man who has given so much to this franchise and this city.

It’s called a joke. I thought I made it obviously clear with how far and deep I went into it. Next time I will preference it with – “Hey guys I got a joke……” to make sure I don’t get myself into an arguement that I don’t intend on winning or arguing for that matter. I think though I would lose the little humor I had managed to muster up.

But here’s one for you…..sitting Biggio on the road is an absolute diservice to baseball and it’s fans. There are some people that would like to see Biggio play their team when he comes to town, especially has he gets closer to 3,000. I think its rediculously selfish of us as Houstonians and Astro fans abroad to rob people of that. If you do this you are also telling Biggio that he’s no better than a platoon guy and will be admitting that the only reason the Astros have resigned him is for the publicity as he chases the record. I say give him a chance and see how he does before declaring him unfit to play in certain situations. But that’s just me.

I’ll tell you all what I’m sick of NOT hearing about..and that is how the Astros are going to address the bottom third of the batting order. The “Black Hole Gang” is still intact and projected to be ever present and accounted for. In addition, you have the (excuse the pun) hit or miss bats of Ensberg and Biggio. Gee…sum that all up and we have the potential of 5 out of nine regularly scheduled outs in the lineup, just like last year. If that happens … Playoffs ??? I think not.

Really, Derek? When Biggio gets his 3,000th hit, not only will he be a cinch for the Hall of Fame, he’ll likely go first-ballot. What about that isn’t “personal”?

Granted, I think his chances of making the Hall of Fame are pretty good anyway, but getting to 3,000 seals the deal, in my mind.

Regarding Dayn Perry’s rankings: I’d just like to point out that the top four GM’s listed there did nothing in the 2006 offseason. Sure, Scheurholz signed Craig Wilson and traded for Mike Gonzalez. And yes, he put good teams together, including the recently ended streak of division title winners. So far, he and Jocketty are tied in World Series wins, and Dombrowski has him by one. Nobody knows if Billy Beane is any good, still, because Oakland just got past the first round for the first time in his tenure last season.

As far as Purpura becoming a “great” GM, well, I’ll believe it when I see it. Despite efforts to convince me otherwise, I still don’t believe it’s “meant” to happen.

Interesting that one Mr. O’Dowd is ranked 29th.

I’m sick of hearing about Ensberg being traded, mostly because my commentary on the matter is turning into self-parody because I have to spit it out on a near-daily basis. For the record, nobody is going to knock on Timmy P’s door asking for Ensberg, and said nobody most certainly will not have a #2 starter with him as trade bait.

Trust me, if Ensberg hits over .300, and knocks in 30+ HR’s and 100+ RBI’s, people will be falling all over themselves trying to make a play for him. But he’s never done that. He also appears to be getting more fragile. Not a good thing when you’re already 31 and are still saddled with the ol’ “unproven” tag. Jason Jennings is more proven than Ensberg, as of today. Man, I can’t believe I just typed that.

I’m also sick of hearing about Biggio, just because it’s a no-brainer that his playing time should be cut severely after about June 1st, if not earlier. It would definitely be smart to reduce his AB’s, as Brian T argued. He has to lose a few for Loretta to get his anyway. And at this point, I think I’d trust Loretta to make contact (even if he’s just hitting singles) more than Biggio.

I’m all for signing Chris Holt and Shane Reynolds, by the way. Once I stop chuckling, of course.

I would have to disagree with you about the Giants fans. They are the only ones who believe Barry is innocent. AT&T Park is the only place he can go and not get booed. While they may be getting tired of what we all have been tired of for years, most of the fans I know still want him here and still want him to beat Aaron.

I live in CA, so if you think you hear too much about Bonds, try living here. I hope the giants walk away and no other team signs him, but I find that difficult to believe will happen.

I am tired of hearing everyone knocking our Astros. ST has not even started and people make our team out to being a block of swiss cheese. Lets see what happens with young pitchers, Ensberg, and Lidge. If we can avoid our early season losses, we might just have a shot a the division. Just wait a little while before jumping off the bandwagon.

—————————————————-

Hey, Russ, I spent last week in your fair state and heard all the Bonds’ “discussion” over and over. That’s why it was the lead item in the blog. It seems obvious most Giants’ fans aren’t Barry fans. — Chip

How else do you suggest we keep a .246 hitter (who hits a full 120 points higher at MMP than when he’s getting room service) from getting more at bats than anyone else on the team.

Should we really make Biggio the focus of our offense? Because if he plays as often on the road as he did last year, that’s what we’ll do. Oh, and we will have signed Mark Loretta for nothing.

Yes, Biggio should play. Yes, he can start road games before he runs out of gas (which he will). And, yes, getting 3,000 hits is not a selfish goal. But if he gets 350 ABs and only hits .200 for the year, he’ll get there, so I don’t see a problem with limiting his plate appearances in a REASONABLE way.

Sitting Biggio on the road is not taking sabermetrics or moneyball to the extreme; it’s doable, smart managing. And I hope that come June it is what we see.

Otherwise, we are making an aging infielder the focus of our offense. Is that smart? No.

Hey, I’ve been an Astros fan since before Biggio ever wore a big H with electrons whizzing around it on his hat. And I love Biggio and what he represents for this franchise: hustle, loyalty, hard work, sacrifice. He’s moved from catcher to 2nd base to the outfield and back. He’s been hit by more pitches than anyone in the modern era.

But finding a way to play to an obvious strength while diminishing two obvious weaknesses (road and the long season’s wear), is not a dumb strategy to “appease all the fans.” It’s just smart.

I’m tired of the sit Biggio on the road campaign as well. If the Astros really wanted to maximize Biggio’s strengths (or hide his weakness – take your pick) they should only play him in the 1st half, at home, facing only lefties, while batting lead off, during the day and make him swing at the 1st pitch. They should also insure that there is only a man on second and/or third when he’s batting, but not 1st. He should also not be allowed to bat during innings 3-5 or during a tie game. The Astros should also make sure that there is exactly 1 out when Biggio is batting at home, prior to the All-Star break, during day games. I imagine if they did this to appease all the fans, Biggio would log exactly 7 ABs and log a .286 AVG……How’s that for Moneyball?

I completely agree with you. One of the main problems with Houston sports fans is the fact that they are fair weather fans. When their team/players are hot, then they love em….but when they’re not, they hate em.

I will agree with everyone on here that Lidge scared me last year, but even with the off year he still struck out 1.38 batters / IP. I think that the 2 years before that earned him the right to try and return to form.

What I can’t agree with at all is the hating on Ensberg. In the 4 seasons he’s played full time, he’s only ever had an avg below 270 once. It was last year, when he was injured most of the year. Up until he dove for that foul ball, he was tearing the cover off of the ball. Until that injury, he was batting for a good avg, and was on track to have a 30-40 HR year. He too, has earned the right to return to form.

Lastly, this brings me to biggio. Every year, biggio does well through the first 2/3 of the season. but he is over 40, and so by the last 1/3 of the year his body has worn out. In the last few years, Garner has gotten in the habit of benching him during day games on the road. But, for the most part, that’s it. I think, if they let him ride the pine for 1-2 games/week (road or home, depending on how he’s feeling) then he’ll be able to stretch his 2/3 of a season out. His defense is still adequate (not even close to horrible like most of you seem to think), and given the proper amount of rest, he can still do a good job for us.

H, I’m giving an “Amen” on the Jennings thing. Yeah, I’d like to see him signed long term, but let’s let it play out. It could become a huge deal in the Astros’ favor.

Derek, you’re right that Biggio has earned the chance at 3,000, and it will be something Houston fans remember fondly. I just think he should not lead the team in at-bats again. Around 350-400 ABs should easily get Biggio to 3,000.

Keith G., I had almost forgotten how sick I am of this one because I’ve started to tune it out. Soriano strikes out more than a chess club president the night before the prom. He makes Ensberg look like a contact hitter. Meanwhile Lee whiffed 65 times in 624 at bats last season … and he walked 58 times. So, we have a slugging contact hitter behind Berkman in the lineup. Lance is the happiest guy in baseball because the Astros went for the right guy.

Oh, and everyone needs to read Footer’s mailbag this week. She answered one of my questions. I am feelin’ the love …

1. That Clemens is as good as gone for NY or Boston. Please, I have to think that if Clemens knew already he’d be man enough to say something. I think he’s waiting to see how clubs come out of the gate to make his decision. Which may be NY or Boston, but stop pushing him out the door. Oh, and this stuff about being tired of his “games” is getting old. He’s an active Hall of Famer who is still at the top of his game. He’s earned the right to do it his way.

2. National media “experts” talking about the great offseason by the Cubs or Cardinals. Neither had a great offseason. The Cards’ offseason was horrible. They are on the verge of the bottom half of the division. And while the Cubs made some splashy deals, they did not adequately address their pitching woes. And as the Reds proved last year, you need a solid staff not a swing-for-the-fences lineup to win.

3. Ensberg and Lidge are incapable of rebounding. Really? Why? Long ago I detailed Lidge’s 2006 season and showed that four really bad outings made a huge difference in his ERA and the perception of his season. If he stops tipping his pitches and starts off strong, there’s no reason he can’t pitch strong and confident all season. As for Mo, he was injured last year (just like at the World Series). He had a bad WS, rehabbed, started strong in 06, then fizzled when he hurt himself. Oh, then he went on the DL, came back and had a good, solid September. Saying they are done is just dumb.

4. The mere mention of Barry Bonds. I roll my eyes every time I see his name.

I do disagree on the Biggio thing. Chip, it isn’t his second half that bugs me, it’s his home/road splits. Biggio batted .178 on the road for the WHOLE season. His slugging percentage was about half on the road. His OBP was .253 on the road.

At home, Biggio plays like an All-Star. On the road, he makes Brad Ausmus look like a slugger. Here’s his BA splits (home/road) for each month. March and April (combined) .357/.136, May .282/.254, June .246/.212, July .380/.152, August .263/.140, Sept. and Oct. (combined) .241/.118.

His best road month was May when he was still pretty fresh, so I don’t mind him playing the road games until his “freshness” starts to fade. But about June, the Astros should look at the schedule and decide what one final game he will play in each city, because Loretta and Bruntlett will likely be much more effective at that point on the road.

I’m tired of hearing people bash Ensberg, Lidge, Biggio and everybody else. You can’t trade Lidge straight up for Beckett. You can’t trade Ensberg straight up for D-Train. Get over it people.

Let them prove themselves. Be a baseball fan and understand people have down years. You weren’t complaining when Ensberg hit 30+ HR’s 05, and Lidge destroyed people in the postseason in 04. Biggio deserves more respect than this. I grew up watching this man play ball, and he is what every single baseball player should want to be.

And I’m sick of Roger as well. Just let us know. Make a decision, its really easy. Play or no play.

I am tired of hearing how much better the Soriano deal was for the Cubs and how bad (long term) the Carlos Lee deal was for the Astros. I am ready to see that player comparison shake out over the next few years. I am not convinced that Soriano is 36 % better than Carlos Lee ($100 million vs. $136 million).

I think your onto the only real solution with regards to Biggio, and I think you’ve placed blame in the right…umm…place. Biggio is still a good player if he isn’t worn out. The Astros #1 priority with Biggio should be to make sure he is still a good come crunch time n September and October. It was an organizational deficiency that allowed him to be so ineffective late the last season or two, but I think the Astros have finally addressed that deficiency through the addition of Loretta. The Astros will make the playoffs this year, and EVERY player on the roster will have enough left in the tank to contribute as they should.

Not only do I disagree with you guys on the Biigio issue…I think we are thinkin g about it the wrong way. Do the Astros “owe” Biggio a shot at 3,000? Absolutely! The fact that he collected the first first 2,930 hits with the Astros with relatively little decline earned him that shot.

But I think there is another debt to be paid. BIGGIO OWES IT TO THE ASTROS to go for 3,000! Don’t think for a second that Biggio is the only one who will benefit from 3,000. The Astros stand to cash in. Furthermore, we as Astros fans may actually begin to see the national media give some respect to the franchise that made it possible for Biggio to accomplish what he has (Hey, one can hope!).

I think Astros fans and the city of Houston in general will benefit from Biggio’s run at 3,000. It is something to be proud of.

3,000 hits is not a “personal accomplishment.” Or at least it is not a “selfish” pursuit of personal glory. All of Biggio’s hits helped to make the Astros into one of the best MLB franchises around, and gave us several playoff appearances and our first World Series. He didn’t do it alone, but he sure helped.

Perhaps nobody in the majors better understands the saying, “Take one for the team.” Well, this Astros fan is ready to take one for Biggio. The first 2,930 hits were a joy to watch…the rest of them will be too! Even if those hits only come once every five AB’s, I will cheer him through every one. Craig Biggio HAS earned that from me.

I didn’t comment on the STL sports writer’s comment (last blog topic) because (as we have covered before!) they all fall in line behind what every Jockerty and LaRussa do so that they will keep talking to them. Soft ball city – at least from a sports reporting standpoint. No one is going to talk about how old they are (Rolen and Edmonds) or how many unknowns there are in the rotation.

So someone else falls into this line – probably talking to the STL writers to get their background info. All that said, anyone with Pujols on their team has a chance!

Things I am really tired of hearing about:

(1) Ausmus’ enimic hitting, but wait – he is a starter for the ’07 Astros and that is an important part of a position players job . . . I guess I’m tired of him hitting poorly more than hearing about it.

(2) Anything to do with Barry Bonds – until his contract is signed, I do want to know that.

(3) The Cubs “great” offseason moves (remember I live in the upper midwest – I get to hear about this everyday!) – at least the Chicago media types actually ask tough questions (they ‘loved’ the Marquis signing! I got to laugh a lot that day)

(4) That the reason Pettitte went to back to NYY is that the Astros would not match the Yankees for 2007 salary (that was NEVER the issue!)

(5) ANYTHING to do with the Green Bay Packers!

(6) That the Jennings trade was already a bust – if that’s so, why did COL bring in 3 (not 1, not 2, BUT 3) additional potential starters to compete for the #4 and #5 spots in their rotation (where Hirsh and Buchholz were supposed to go)? The jury has to still be out on this deal – it might not work out in the ‘Stros favor, but no one can know that yet! And from what is happening and being said, the Rox aren’t acting like the cat that ate the canary!

Can’t think of anymore – so I guess I will put up with a lot as long as people are talking about baseball!

BTW – if I’m handicapping the NLC as of this day – the Cards are 3rd, behind HOU and MIL, with CHC, CIN, and PIT fighting over the slots at 4,5, and 6. NLE – right now I would set it: PHI, ATL, NYM, FLA, WAS (Randolf better sign his extension before the season starts!); the NLW would be LAD, SD, SF, ARZ (2, 3, and 4 are interchangable), then COL – my WC team would most likely come from the West. For the AL: BOS, DET, LAA – division winners with CWS, CLE, and NYY fighting over the wild card – but then again this kind of thing should wait for the end of April!!

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Good point on the Jennings’ trade. ‘Tis interesting that the Rockies are still searching for people to fill the back end of their rotation. — Chip

If I hear one more time that Ensberg and Lidge are the worst things in a uniform and that we should tarde them for Beckett or D. Willis, I think I am going to puke. How about I give you my beat up Pinto for your brand new Hummer?

Chip, I guess I don’t agree with you on the Biggio issue. The idea of sitting Biggio on the road is definitely an overly simplistic approach, but the bottom line is that he’s batting .233 with a sub-.300 OBP after the All-Star break over the last 3 seasons. This performance seems to indicate that letting him have ~550 ABs may be part of the problem.

If Biggio bats over the Mendoza line at all, he’ll get 70 hits in less than 350 ABs. Frankly, if it takes him 350 ABs to get 70 hits, he really doesn’t deserve to play much more based his performance anyway.

Even if he does get his 70 hits in a relatively brisk fashion, I do believe the Astros MUST find a way to lower his total ABs for the season, so that he is more fresh and able to contribute during the stretch run. Not to pick on him, but had he been able to bat over .193 last year in August and September, maybe the Astros would have made the playoffs. It’s a failure on the Organization’s part that he had to be at the plate so many times last season.

The fact that he bats so much better at home than on the road presents low fruit to pick. He should be spelled more frequently on road trips, especially against left handers, than at home.

Another reason for giving him more days off is that it may improve his range at second by fending off fatigue.

Your blog post did not really explain your proposal for Biggio’s playing time. If your idea is to let him bat as much as he wants early in the season, then I think the Astros will be making the same mistake all over again.

Come on guys, can we let Bidge get into the season first before we start bashing him? The man is a legend and deserves this opportunity. Let him get started this season and see how it goes. If he struggles, he will take himself out just like Bagwell did when his shoulder finally gave out. I have no doubt about it.

He hasn’t hit on the road for the past TWO SEASONS, so I don’t think fans that are suggesting he sit there are doing so based on last year’s second half.

I know he’s probably not going to sit a lot period, and that’s the problem. He should not be playing much on the road, and the numbers (which I and others have cited numerous times) back that up. I really don’t know how it can be argued he isn’t hurting the team hitting .235 and .178! on the road the past two seasons.

I want to point out again, Biggio is one of my two or three favorite players ever. However, I’d rather see the Astros go to the playoffs this year over him getting 3,000 hits if the two can’t coexist. I hope they can.

Lowell has a good point. The Astros don’t really owe Biggio anything. They’ve paid him a lot of money to play baseball (above market value this year, for sure). I wouldn’t have faulted Biggio if he went somewhere else to get 3,000 if the Astros didn’t ask him back.

Know what’s really crazy? I’s the idea that Craig Biggio will sit after he gets his 3000th hit. Say, he gets it after only 2 months of play. Does anyone really believe the club will retire him at that point and move Burke to second? Get real. Craig has signed to play a full season, not until he gets his 3000th hit.

Yeah, I’m tired of the whole Clemens waiting game. But what’s really annoying is Roger’s claim that he really wants to retire but it’s not his faults, his agents and everyone else won’t let him. Kind of like Nick Saban when he quit LSU, said Wayne Huzinga pressured him into it until all resistance from a mere mortal was simply useless. (Isn’t Alabama lucky he was able to regain his integrity?)

The Cards did not really make any significant additions in the off-season so far, but it wouldn’t surprise me if many publications still pick them as the favorites for the NL Central in 2007. My prediction right now wouldn’t be that much different, but I would pick the Astros for a strong second at this point. As for Purpura, I’d like to see him prove Dayn Perry right. The Astros still need a consistent left-handed starter to replace Andy Pettitte (no, NOT Wandy Rodriguez). They’ve solidified pretty much everything else. I am interested in seeing some of our young kids stepping up, including an unexpected player. There’s always one every year.

If a great deal comes along to get a quality starting pitcher by trading Ensberg, then Timmy P should do it. At that point, the Astros look at the options for 3rd base. One of those options is a Loretta/Lamb platoon. Things change. Part of the “flexibility” that was touted with the Loretta signing, is the flexibility to play Loretta at third if Ensberg flops or gets traded.

Biggio is coming off his worse season for batting average. His defense is shaky. Craig’s lost a lot of speed. He hasn’t “earned” anything for 2007. Craig got a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work for the last 19 years.

His selfish desire to push for 3,000 hits is going to hurt this team. Garner will keep playing him, even when he’s hitting .200 or less. Craig doesn’t want to believe he can’t do it anymore. But Biggio should have retired in 2006 with his dignity intact.

It’s going to be painful to watch this once-great Astro, fumbling around out there. He’s gonna embarrass himself and it is going to be sad to watch. Biggio was one of the greatest Astros and it’s a shame to have it end this way.